KwaZulu Natal is focusing on the development of a network of regional airports to unlock access to some of the province’s most appealing tourist destinations, including the World Heritage Sites of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg.
In November, the province’s MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma, officially launched Mkuze Airport, which underwent a R72 million (€3.9m) upgrade to accommodate commercial aircraft of up to 100 passengers. Upgrades included resurfacing of the 1.8km runway, construction of a new terminal building, car-hire facilities and perimeter fencing.
The airport in northern KwaZulu Natal is close to flagship public and private Big Five game reserves, and will also provide easier access to iSimangaliso, a region bursting with international tourist appeal.
“[The airport] will improve air connectivity through commercial airlines, which will increase the number of local and international tourists to the region. This airport will not only stimulate tourism but will drive more tourism product developments and job creation,” Duma said at the launch.
Federal Airlines, which currently flies direct to Phinda Private Game Reserve from Skukuza and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), has been the first to commit to flights to the new airport. Group Leisure Sales Manager Jason Werdmuller said the airline was looking at Easter 2023 to start shuttle flights to the region from KMIA via Phinda to Mkuze.
“At first there will be one flight a day. As demand rises, we will look at increasing frequencies with an option of adding aircraft. We believe the best way forward is to focus on the international leisure inbound market and domestic travellers wanting to visit the region,” Werdmuller said.
Building a regional network
Nhlanhla Khumalo, Acting CEO of Tourism KZN, told Tourism Update that Mkuze’s opening was a step forward in the process of establishing a network of regional air connectivity.
“We want to establish a network of airports linked to King Shaka International Airport so that people can see the length and breadth of the province’s tourism offerings,” said Khumalo.
In December, Margate Airport on the province’s South Coast was reopened following an R11m (€600 000) upgrade of infrastructure and extension of the terminal building. The airport will now accommodate twice-daily flights (excluding Saturdays), operated by CemAir, from OR Tambo.
Khumalo added that an upgrade of Newcastle Airport (which would improve access to the Drakensberg), would also be a key part of the province’s air access plans.
“The refurbishment and expansion of the airport was affected by COVID, but this has been resuscitated along with negotiations with airlines. By the time this network of airports becomes fully operational and demand for flights starts ramping up, we will be able to cover the majority of the province’s tourist attractions and increase our tourist numbers significantly,” said Khumalo.
At Mkuze, the provincial government is focused on unlocking further economic potential through the creation of an aerotropolis with residential, business, leisure, retail, hospitality and cultural spaces.
“It is important to note that the opening of airports paves the way for increased trade and investment, and the development of SMMEs across the value chain,” Khumalo pointed out.
